Baby fever is one of the biggest concerns for every new parent. How hot is too hot? Are you playing it safe by rushing to see a doctor the moment the thermometer reads too high, or are you just being paranoid? Maybe your little one is even laughing and seems absolutely fine.
Baby fever affects every child differently, and thus how every parent responds. With a closer look at the facts of baby fever, and what you can do to help your newborn, you won’t need to panic the moment your child starts showing a high temperature.
What is the Cause of Fever in Babies?
Baby fever, like all fevers, is not a disease itself. Rather, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, and the list of possible causes of baby fever is countlessly long. In short, a baby fever is caused when the brain receives signals to increase body temperature, which stimulates the immune system to produce white blood cells to fight the underlying cause.
The most common causes of baby fevers are viral infections such as colds, flu, and other respiratory viruses. Ear infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections are other common causes of fever in infants. Less common, but more serious causes include inflammatory and autoimmune diseases: and some cancers like leukaemia, especially if they are left undetected.
Allergic reactions are another possible cause of baby fever, particularly in response to medications or vaccines. This response is normal and indicates the immune system is responding to the vaccine correctly. Baby fever after vaccination typically begins within 12 hours and lasts two to three days.
Identifying A Fever in Children: High Temperatures and More
A child is considered to have a fever when they have a temperature of 38°C or higher. While almost any thermometer will do, rectal temperature readings with a digital thermometer provide the most accurate readings for a baby under 3 months old. Ear thermometers should not be used on children younger than six months.
Touch is the next best way to check your baby’s temperature. If your child simply feels unusually warm and appears flushed or has damp clothes or hair from sweating, it could be a sign of mild fever. Similarly, a child feeling drier than usual can be a sign of dehydration caused by fever, such as fewer wet nappies, a dry mouth, or a lack of tears when crying.
Behaviour is the best indicator of baby fever for children younger than 3 months after checking their body’s temperature. A baby who seems lethargic or refuses all fluids can be signs your child has a fever.
How to Break a Baby's Fever
Breaking a baby fever runs the risk of prolonging the underlying illness or infection. If your baby has a fever, your goal isn’t newborn fever treatment, it’s to make your child as comfortable as you can until the fever passes.
Keeping your child hydrated with extra fluids is the first and most effective step. Lukewarm baths also help. Do not use cold water, as the body’s natural response is to shiver which generates even more heat. Avoid using alcohol rubs entirely.
For temperature regulation, dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing. When they go to sleep at night, use a sheet rather than a heavy blanket. Light clothing helps the body release heat more effectively.
Ibuprofen helps with baby fever relief for children over six months. Never give your child or baby aspirin, as it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious condition which can cause swelling in the liver or brain in children who have recently had a viral infection.
Facts About Febrile Seizures
A febrile seizure is a type of seizure which can occur in young people affected with a high fever. They are most common in children between six months and five years of age, with the highest risk occurring between 12 and 18 months old. Children who experience one febrile seizure have a one in three chance of having another, particularly if the first occurred before 15 months of age or if they have a family history.
During a febrile seizure, the child loses consciousness and begins shaking uncontrollably. Their body may stiffen, and they might vomit or bite their tongue. The seizures themselves are typically short-lived, usually lasting less than 5 minutes, and the child usually recovers quickly without any long-term effects.
If your child has a febrile seizure, place them on their side on the floor, remove any nearby objects, and loosen clothing around their head and neck. Do not restrain them, put anything in their mouth, or try to give them any medication. As scary as it is, the best thing to do is let the seizure run its course. Time the seizure and seek emergency care if it lasts longer than five minutes.
When to Seek Medical Attention and See a Doctor
When in doubt, trust your instincts. Any fever in a child under 3 months is a sign of when to see a paediatrician. If your child’s temperature is higher than 38°C when you go to check your child’s temperature, calmly take them to the nearest paediatrician or children’s hospital as soon as you can. Though there’s likely nothing to worry about, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, and this is especially true when it comes to your child’s body temperature.
Learn to Treat Baby Fever at Home
When it comes to fever in babies and children, taking them to see your paediatrician the moment their normal temperature rises is always the first course of action. But when febrile seizures come into play, or if you can’t get to your doctor as soon as you like, there is always more you can do.
A childcare first aid course is a great way for anyone to learn how to best care for sick children. The medical advice gained from this course isn’t just for teachers, new parents, family, and potential babysitters can all learn how to best act for a child with a fever. So don’t let baby fever scare you, get prepared instead.
FAQs
Can Teething Cause a Fever in Babies?
While teething can produce a slight elevation in body temperature, it cannot raise your child’s temperature over 38°C. If your child’s fever appears while teething, the fever isn’t caused by this natural stage of development.
Why Do Fevers Often Seem Worse at Night?
Body temperatures naturally run higher in the evening as circadian rhythms cause your body to generate heat to compensate for the external drop in temperature, making fevers seem worse than they are.
Should I Alternate Between Paracetamol and Ibuprofen for My Baby's Fever?
Medical professionals do not recommend using both paracetamol and ibuprofen together, as this creates risk of giving too much medication. Choose one fever-reducing medicine and use it according to package directions for your child’s age and weight.
